Iran will take center stage at the World Cup on Monday after arriving in the United States following a build-up shrouded by uncertainty due to war in the Middle East.The Iranian squad, whose preparations have been dogged by political tensions and visa issues arising from the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, face New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a day after touching down in California on Sunday.

Flag bans, travel headaches and a religious regime video among bumps in road, as team prepares to be first to play in country with which it is at war

By Rory CarrollLOS ANGELES, June 13 (Reuters) - Iran open their World Cup Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday in a match shaped as much by events off the…

Protests and tension threatened to turn match into political flashpoint